Autumn is a great time for more invasive skin treatments because the cooler weather and reduced sun exposure help minimize post-peel skin sensitivity.
Chemical peels and Microdermabrasion are both excellent skin resurfacing treatments, but they work in different ways. Understanding the differences can help you decide which one suits your skin needs, or if a combination of both might be beneficial.
Benefits of Chemical Peels in Autumn:
Prepares Skin for Winter: Chemical peels help your skin absorb moisturizing and nourishing products better, which is key as the air gets drier.
Exfoliation and Renewal: As summer skin damage (like sunspots or hyperpigmentation) lingers, a chemical peel can rejuvenate your complexion by removing dead skin cells.
Repair Summer Damage: Chemical peels can target sun damage, clogged pores, and uneven skin tone caused by sun exposure.
Choosing the Right Chemical Peel:
There are different strengths of chemical peels—light, medium, and deep. The right one for you depends on your skin concerns and goals. Here are some options:
- Light Peels (e.g., Alpha Hydroxy Acid – AHA): Ideal for mild exfoliation and brightening. Great for sensitive skin.
- Medium Peels (e.g., Glycolic Acid or TCA peels): Help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
- Deep Peels (e.g., Phenol Peels): Target deeper wrinkles and scars but require more downtime and professional care.
Chemical Peel vs. Microdermabrasion
1. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin by dissolving dead skin cells, promoting the shedding of the top layer of skin, and encouraging new cell growth.
- Benefits:
- Reduces signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines.
- Improves skin tone, texture, and brightness.
- Fades acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
- Stimulates collagen production for firmer skin.
- Aftercare:
- Avoid sun exposure, use sunscreen diligently, and moisturize well.
- Avoid other exfoliating treatments until your skin has fully healed.
2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a physical exfoliation process that uses tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped device to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells. It’s a gentler procedure compared to most chemical peels and typically involves less downtime.
- Benefits:
- Smooths out skin texture.
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines, mild acne scars, and age spots.
- Enhances the absorption of skincare products.
- Requires little to no downtime.
- Aftercare:
- Gentle moisturizers and sunscreens are recommended.
- Avoid sun exposure and harsh products for a few days.
Combination Treatments: Chemical Peel + Microdermabrasion
Combining both treatments will enhance results:
- Microdermabrasion First: Helps to physically exfoliate and prepare the skin, making it more receptive to the chemical peel.
- Chemical Peel Second: Deepens the exfoliation process by chemically treating the skin, targeting more specific concerns like pigmentation or scarring.
Here, at our Tarzana Spa Salon our esthetician can assess your skin type and concerns to determine if layering these treatments would be effective and safe for you.
Choosing the Right Treatment
- Chemical Peels: Best if you have moderate to severe skin concerns like deep wrinkles, scars, or significant pigmentation issues.
- Microdermabrasion: Ideal for those looking for a more superficial treatment with little to no downtime, perfect for regular maintenance and mild skin concerns.
Schedule your first consultation with our Esthetician (818)938-9400